There has been rise in the addition of medical equipment to the “EDC lifestyle” and rightly so in my estimation. With more and more folks realizing, as the old cliche goes, they are their own first responder and unintentional trauma being of of the leading causes of death and, according to some sources, the leading cause for people under 45; it seems like a no brainer to carry some equipment to buy some time in the event you or a loved one needs medical attention right now. Things like tourniquets, gauzes, pressure bandages, chest seals and the like are all the rage right now and with proper training can absolutely save a life.

But how the hell do you carry all that? What with the stuff you already have, which of you’re anything like me includes: gun, knife, flashlight, OC, spare ammo, wallet, keys phone etc.

On your ankle of course. Enter the rescue essentials ankle medical holster. I will start by saying, I had low expectations for this as it was one of the cheapest ankle rigs I could find on amazon that would meet my basic requirements. I understand that “you get what you pay for” ordinarily. But before I dropped bigger money on an ankle kit I wanted to see if I could even get used to the thing strapped to my leg. I should also point out that the carrier is about the only thing medical related that should ever purchase from amazon.

About $25 and two days later the ankle pouch arrived. Seems to be made well but more about that later, has one main pouch with a flap and two narrower slots. It also has a small area of molle webbing. So I stuffed it with all the goodies and strapped that sucker to my leg.

According to rescue essentials, this rig is designed for one tourniquet (either a CAT or SOFTT-W), a 4” izzy bandage, and two pair of gloves. They also claim a SWAT-T and decomp needle can also be accommodated. Not one to be told what to do, I packed it how I saw fit for my lifestyle. While I have switched a few things here and there. I currently load it with (1) CAT gen7 TQ, (1) hyfin vented chest seal, (1) pack of celox gauze, (1) pack NAR compressed gauze, a CPR face shield, two pair of gloves and a small admin flash light.

After the initial few days it became quite comfortable and now, two years later, I don’t even notice it anymore. I have very few concealment problems with it, in “tactical” pants it’s a nonissue. In some jeans I have to remove the chest seal, and if you wear cowboy boots on a regular basis you might want to explore other options. It’s not impossible and I’ve done it a few times but it’s a pain. Obviously, if you’re a shorts or skinny jeans kind of guy/gal this isn’t gonna work either. It is comfortable although I prefer to wear it over socks but will occasionally not. It holds everything in place very well, the only exception to this was the sharpie I tried to carry on it. But ridding on my ankle in the environment and elements that close to the ground, the damn thing is would never write when I needed it to anyway so I ended up not carrying it anymore. I never put a decomp needle in it so that’s the only thing I can’t really speak on, however, for the vast majority of people I don’t think that is a necessity, especially in an on body kit. I do have one in my vehicle kit. But that’s a different article.

My biggest complaint is the molle webbing (actually PALS because it’s the host not the attachment). I can’t see adding any molle accessories and it still be the slightest bit concealable. I did attach a few things like a multi tool pouch, a mag pouch, and a handcuff pouch. None proved to be useful. I do keep the small flashlight in the web and did the same with the sharpie. Not the intended use but I do what I want. I would much prefer to see this section replaced with another flapped pouch for another 4” Izzy. This would allow me to carry an additional chest seal and a compression bandage (Like the NAR ankle rig is set up for) the only other complaint I have, which is minor, is I’d like to see a flap to cover the TQ. Not a huge deal but it would protect the “time” strap from fraying as quickly.

Overall, I think this is a good choice if you’re looking to build a small persona trauma kit and not break the bank.

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS - 8 KEY POINTS

CLAIM TO FAME:

Low cost ankle medical pouch

TARGET MARKET:

People looking for a way to add medical gear to their edc without filling their pockets even more

FNBS (FEATURES & BENEFITS OF THIS PRODUCT:

Lightweight
Comfortable
Cost effective
Elastic storage bands and pouches
Customizable to user preferences
Main Pouch has a red tab for instant identification
Three pockets plus a 2 x 3 PALS ladder

WHAT OTHER AESTHETIC OPTIONS OR FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE?

Black with a red tab

What others are saying:

Amazon - Luis N. B

I’m only 5’1”

Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2020

I purchased this product because I like being prepared for the worse but I don’t have a lot of space on my belt or vest since I’m smaller than most. This product fits well on my ankle after putting all the products shown on my picture. I carry my tourniquet on my belt so I use one of the pockets for a naloxone and needle decompression. On the big pouch I carry chest seal and quick clot. On the other pocket I carry compressed cause and a space blanket. You can also see I carry an NPA and the medical scissors. One thing to be mindful is not overpacking it If your pants can’t stretch as much. I recommend practicing with whatever uniform you have. Overall, good product.